And Arthur did every step of the way, flavoring country classics with her sweet drawl and always creative reinterpretations. And she didn’t always have it easy with the judges, as she tells Hollywood Reporter special Idol correspondent -- and season 10 finalist -- Casey Abrams.

It turns out the two go back -- all the way to Austin, Texas where they both auditioned for the show in 2010 but only one made it through … then. The rest, as they say, is Idol history.